HPA-KG NARU

Since our founding in 1962, we have sought to expand the limits of audio technology, pursuing an ever-changing purity of sound to foster human connections. Still, after six decades of discovery and innovation we felt it was time to take our analog audio exploration to an even higher level. The NARUKAMI series offers premium, boundary-pushing audio experiences, along with the meticulous Japanese craftsmanship that is an Audio-Technica hallmark.

Taking its name from the thunder god of Japanese legend, the NARUKAMI series features high-end audio products designed to ignite elemental passions. Our engineers rely on their refined auditory judgment, rather than a sterile set of technical specifications, to assess sound quality, while key materials, like precious KUROGAKI wood, are selected to bring the listener closer to the wonders of nature.

The top of the HPA-KG NARU tube amplifier/preamplifier is stylized like a dry landscape garden (karesansui), representing water flows that run down along the amplifier’s unique KUROGAKI wood side panels. The metal mesh cover protecting the vacuum tubes and output transformers recalls the dense pattern of the Ayasugi tree’s flat needles. These visual nods to nature prefigure the lifelike sound that awaits the listener.

The NARUKAMI headphone amplifier employs a fully balanced drive design, and all of the unit’s vacuum tubes are individually tested and matched to ensure optimal performance. The signal amplification stage uses a shunt regulated push-pull (SRPP) circuit design and employs paired JJ ECC83S tubes, known for their rich and resonant sound characteristics. In the power stage, two pairs of Takatsuki TA-300B tubes are utilized, delivering powerful driving force and dynamic high-quality sound.

The amplifier’s independent signal circuit and power supply for L/R channels ensure high separation and low noise, delivering transparent and rich sound quality for discerning audio enthusiasts. The amorphous core silver wire output transformer from Lundahl, chosen for its low magnetic hysteresis loss and optimal impedance matching, adds richness to the sound and provides flexibility with a headphone matching circuit.

But the NARUKAMI amplifier is not just a headphone amplifier; it also serves as a preamplifier with unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR pre-outs. The preamp is designed to amplify low-level audio signals from a source component, producing warm, natural sound from the vacuum tubes and bringing it to a level suitable for driving a power amplifier. The amplifier is also equipped with one set of unbalanced RCA line inputs and two pairs of balanced XLR inputs to allow connection of a CD/DVD player and other audio devices.

The HPA-KG NARU features two headphone jacks on the front of the unit: a 4.4 mm 4-pin XLR balanced jack for optimal channel separation, and a standard 6.3 mm (1/4") jack. An impedance selector switch allows you to choose the appropriate impedance (32–80 ohms, 80–250 ohms, 250–600 ohms) based on the characteristics of your headphones and desired sound quality.

To complement this high-performance amplifier we include a pair of our limited-edition AW-KG NARU headphones, featuring housings crafted from precious KUROGAKI wood. These headphones have been specially tuned to deliver exceptional sound quality and are equipped with A2DC (Audio Designed Detachable Coaxial) jacks for secure connection to the included 2.0 m (6.6') and 3.0 m (9.8') cables, each terminated with a 4-pin XLR-M balanced connector. As a special addition, we also include an interchangeable pair of *ZMF Universe Hybrid earpads to provide a unique alternate listening experience.

*ZMF earpads are included only in the U.S. and other select regions. Contact your local Audio-Technica office to confirm availability.